Controversial bill passes

The passage of a federal bill aimed at fast-tracking infrastructure projects in Canada could come at the expense of Indigenous rights, according to Mohawk Council of Kahnawake (MCK) grand chief Cody Diabo and many other Indigenous groups, who say that Mark Carney’s Building Canada Act could have devastating effects on communities.

“We’re not opposed to development, but we’re opposed to Canada trying to ram things through for the sake of their economy, and the breadcrumbs get tossed to First Nations,” Diabo said.

The Building Canada Act, which was known as Bill C-5 before it became law on June 26, has been a topic of controversy across Turtle Island, with Indigenous communities saying the government failed to appropriately consult with them before it was drafted. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) national chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak also penned an open letter to Carney, expressing anger at the fact that the AFN was only given a week to share thoughts on a three-page backgrounder on the bill, identifying preliminary observations and concerns.

The MCK was not given that backgrounder, and at the time also published an open letter about the bill, stating that “fast-tracking legislation means cutting corners on consultation and oversight.”

The bill was split into two parts before it was voted upon on June 20, with the first part breaking down trade barriers between provinces and the second addressing the fast-tracking of projects deemed of “national interest.”

Diabo said that second part of the bill could result in the federal government sidestepping its responsibility it has to gain First Nations free, prior, and informed consent before undertaking infrastructure projects.

“We do want to see how we can bolster our economies and get people to work, but it’s got to be done in a sustainable way as well,” Diabo said.

Yesterday, the AFN hosted a virtual forum to foster dialogue on the bill, ahead of a meeting in Ottawa next week where the organization and other First Nations leadership will be meeting with government representatives, including Carney, to discuss it. Diabo, who attended the virtual forum and will be attending next week’s discussions in Ottawa, said he’s cautious about the meeting.

“I’m not quite sure what to expect of it, I really hope it’s not that they’re at a high table and you go up to a mic and make your comment kind of thing,” he said. “I want to at least be engaging directly with Canada’s prime minister on it, and maybe to get at least a bit more information on it.”

Even if the government starts listening to Indigenous communities now, they’ve still hurt Onkwehón:we, Diabo said.

“Overall, it’s already been damaging, the fact they did what they did and they’re trying to pick up the pieces later on,” he said. “We shouldn’t be after thoughts at the end of the day. We need to be engaged with upfront.”

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